On the day after their detached garage went up in flames, David and Dianne Koonce had a number of investigators in their backyard as an investigation is in full effect.

“The fire marshal’s office is doing the investigation. There’s nothing suspicious about the fire, but due to the value of the contents lost, we want to do a thorough investigation to find out the cause,” said Chief Rodney Bell with the West New Bern Fire Department.

The State Bureau of Investigation is working with the fire marshal to conduct the investigation, which is not unusual in situations like this, said Craven County Assistant Fire Marshal Ira Whitford.

“We are still working to determine the cause and origin of the fire,” he said on Wednesday afternoon.

On Tuesday evening, David Koonce of 335 Sanders Lane noticed a fire in the detached garage in the backyard. When he went outside, the fire was already coming out from underneath the door of the garage, according to his wife, Dianne.

Smoke from the fire could be seen from miles away. On scene, burned leaves fell from the sky and smoke filled Sanders Lane.

Inside the garage were four vehicles, one motorcycle and several other items of value.

The 911 dispatcher was made aware of the fact that there were multiple vehicles in the garage and told Dianne Koonce to leave the residence, in case the vehicles were to explode.

Dianne Koonce waited across the street as her husband stayed close to home, watching as firefighters worked to contain the fire.

“I feel for him because that’s his sanctuary,” Dianne Koonce said on Tuesday.

The garage and all items inside appeared to be a total loss, but luckily their home was fine.

“As much as it was burning, I was afraid for the house,” she said. “I’m just thankful it’s not the house.”

Megan Beyer can be reached at 252-635-5671 or megan.beyer@newbernsj.com.